Raymond r. klumker: 1917--2006

Former Routt County resident Raymond R. Klumker died July 21, 2006, at the Walbridge Memorial Wing in Meeker. He was 88.

Raymond was born Aug. 9, 1917, in Golden to William and Elsie (Neil) Klumker. As a young boy, the family moved to Toponas, where he attended school. In January 1942, he entered the Marine Corps, serving his country proudly until his discharge in January 1946, attaining the rank of sergeant.

On Jan. 14, 1945, he was united in marriage to Anna Ruth Howe. She preceded him in death on Aug. 24, 1989.

Following his discharge from the service, Raymond moved to Steamboat Springs, where he worked for 32 years for the U.S. Forest Service as a road maintenance supervisor.

In 1974, he retired and moved to Maybell, where he resided until moving to Meeker to be nearer to family. He loved to spend time outdoors hiking, hunting and observing the wildlife, especially the wild horses in Brown's Park. He also was a great "rock hound."

Raymond is also preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Peggy Fowler, and three brothers.

He is survived by his daughter, Treasa Ellis and her husband Jim of Meeker; two sons, Charles Klumker and his wife Anni of Oak Creek, and Raymond Klumker Jr. and his wife Zonia of Northglenn; nine grandchildren, Raymond Richard Klumker III, Erika, Jason, Jessica, Donald and Wesley Klumker, Anna, Christina and Cassandra Ellis; a great-granddaughter, Alana; and a brother, Louis Klumker of Yuma, Ariz.

The funeral was held at 11 a.m. July 28, 2006, at the Meeker Christian Church. Interment followed in the Highland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Maybell Ambulance Service through Cochran Memorial Chapel.